ESS.9.6.3
Analyze evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics: matching coastlines, similar
rock types, fossil record.
*I will analyze evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics.
*Chapter 8 page 220
*http://www.unitedstreaming.com/search/assetDetail.cfm?guidAssetID=
2EB32F3F-5D7E-43D6-AF77-3CF4C3B8C5C2
*matching coastlines
*similar rock types
*fossil record
ELPS.ESS.4.6-8.5 Identify vocabulary related to the processes that have changed Earth’s surface
Analyze evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics: matching coastlines, similar
rock types, fossil record.
*I will analyze evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics.
*Chapter 8 page 220
*http://www.unitedstreaming.com/search/assetDetail.cfm?guidAssetID=
2EB32F3F-5D7E-43D6-AF77-3CF4C3B8C5C2
*matching coastlines
*similar rock types
*fossil record
ELPS.ESS.4.6-8.5 Identify vocabulary related to the processes that have changed Earth’s surface
Objective: I will model rock layer sequencing based on the characteristics of fossils and rock order.
Pre-Assessment and Planning
Students have had previous instruction and assessment on plate tectonics, fossil records, and landform building. This lab investigation will help students contextualize how field scientist gauge the relative age of geologic deposits.
Objective: I will model rock layer sequencing based on the characteristics of fossils and rock order.
Assessment
Formative Assessment: I will monitor the student pairs to ensure they are executing the lab in accordance with supplied directions. I will ask probing questions to gauge student's understanding of the concept of geologic rock order. I will also assess student recordings of the lab process within their science notebooks. The lab and recordings will be worth 100 points.
Engaging the Learner
Connect the geologic record lab to prior learning - plate tectonics, landform formation, etc.
Demonstrate the formation of rock layers to the students using the Forming Rock Layers App (Click through the first part of the app to the second portion, which shows the layers being formed over time.)
Students will be engaging in a modeling activity that will allow them to construct rock layers and fossils using various items and play-doh type material.
Methods, Activities and Resources
Methods
Activities
Potential Adaptations to the Lesson {PAL}
Inquiry-Based Question:
How do geologist (scientist who study the earth) determine the relative age of the rocks on the earth's surface?
Hypothesis:
Write your hypothesis here.
Experimental Design:
Do not copy the following instructions in your lab book.
1. With a partner, plan a set of rules for building "rock layers" in a mountain. For example, one rule might be that the first layer must be black. Another rule may be that the yellow layer must be above the green layer.
2. Decide what objects will be added to specific layers, these layers will be your fossils. Note: these objects should be found only in specific layers.
3. You and your partner should each construct a mountain according to your rules.
Copy the following in your lab book.
Partner-based rules for mountain building:
Write your rules here.
Analysis:
When your mountains are complete, compare your mountain to your partner's mountain. Consider that these mountains are several miles apart. Infer how you would be able to make general observations about the age and events of the mountains.
Write your analysis here.
Conclusion:
1. How could you infer which fossils were older than others?
2. Why must scientist be careful when using rock layers to determine geologic time?
Pre-Assessment and Planning
Students have had previous instruction and assessment on plate tectonics, fossil records, and landform building. This lab investigation will help students contextualize how field scientist gauge the relative age of geologic deposits.
Objective: I will model rock layer sequencing based on the characteristics of fossils and rock order.
Assessment
Formative Assessment: I will monitor the student pairs to ensure they are executing the lab in accordance with supplied directions. I will ask probing questions to gauge student's understanding of the concept of geologic rock order. I will also assess student recordings of the lab process within their science notebooks. The lab and recordings will be worth 100 points.
Engaging the Learner
Connect the geologic record lab to prior learning - plate tectonics, landform formation, etc.
Demonstrate the formation of rock layers to the students using the Forming Rock Layers App (Click through the first part of the app to the second portion, which shows the layers being formed over time.)
Students will be engaging in a modeling activity that will allow them to construct rock layers and fossils using various items and play-doh type material.
Methods, Activities and Resources
Methods
- Student
pairs while executing the lab.
- Reinforce
noise level expectations
- Refer
to objective
- Solicit
summary of learning from students
- Outline
behavior expectations while handling the manipulatives
- Reinforce
noise level expectations
Activities
- Student pairs will use face partners
at each table in order to prevent large disparities in ability level within student
groups.
- Students will create models of rock
layers and analyze the models in order to determine the relative age of the
"rocks and fossils"
- 15 lbs of home made play-doh, 5 colors
- A variety of objects to represent fossils
- Roll of wax paper to place between play-doh layers
- Overhead projector
- Computer with internet access
- Lab handout (pg. AR 31 from science book)
Potential Adaptations to the Lesson {PAL}
- If the overhead projector fails I will draw pictures of how the rock layers form on the whiteboard, and write out lab instructions as needed.
- If time is cut short, I will direct the students to proceed directly with the lab and forgo the "Forming Rock Layers" app.
- If students progress through the lab more rapidly than expected I will ask them to pair with other student pairs. The students will horizontally press their models against one another and analyze the results the deformation has upon the apparent geologic age.
Inquiry-Based Question:
How do geologist (scientist who study the earth) determine the relative age of the rocks on the earth's surface?
Hypothesis:
Write your hypothesis here.
Experimental Design:
Do not copy the following instructions in your lab book.
1. With a partner, plan a set of rules for building "rock layers" in a mountain. For example, one rule might be that the first layer must be black. Another rule may be that the yellow layer must be above the green layer.
2. Decide what objects will be added to specific layers, these layers will be your fossils. Note: these objects should be found only in specific layers.
3. You and your partner should each construct a mountain according to your rules.
Copy the following in your lab book.
Partner-based rules for mountain building:
Write your rules here.
Analysis:
When your mountains are complete, compare your mountain to your partner's mountain. Consider that these mountains are several miles apart. Infer how you would be able to make general observations about the age and events of the mountains.
Write your analysis here.
Conclusion:
1. How could you infer which fossils were older than others?
2. Why must scientist be careful when using rock layers to determine geologic time?